Solar Panels in Snow

January 5, 2017 Article by Charlie Gay | Solar Energy Technologies Office Director for the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)

If you live outside of the sunny Southwest, the weather can bring sudden changes this time of year. Many parts of the country have already seen snow, and the polar vortex has extended far enough south that even our nation’s capital has experienced a few deep chills. Although at first blush it may seem that solar power is ideal for the summer, solar photovoltaic (PV) panels actually produce useful power throughout all four seasons. Tackling weather-related challenges is one reason why the SunShot Initiative fundsRegional Test Centers, where solar panel performance can be time-tested in widely varying climates. Researchers at the test centers have shown that solar can still successfully generate electricity in snowy areas and other harsh environments.

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SunRay Solar, founded in Concord, NH in 2009, is New Hampshire’s leading solar systems integrator and installer. Working mainly with photovoltaic (solar electricity), we design, build, and install solar arrays for homeowners and businesses.